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Impacts of agrisolar co-location on the food–energy–water nexus and economic security

Author

Listed:
  • Jacob T. Stid

    (Michigan State University)

  • Siddharth Shukla

    (Michigan State University)

  • Anthony D. Kendall

    (Michigan State University)

  • Annick Anctil

    (Michigan State University)

  • David W. Hyndman

    (The University of Texas at Dallas)

  • Jeremy Rapp

    (Michigan State University)

  • Robert P. Anex

    (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Abstract

Understanding how solar PV installations affect the landscape and its critical resources is crucial to achieve sustainable net-zero energy production. To enhance this understanding, we investigate the consequences of converting agricultural fields to solar photovoltaic installations, which we refer to as ‘agrisolar’ co-location. We present a food, energy, water and economic impact analysis of agricultural output offset by agrisolar co-location for 925 arrays (2.53 GWp covering 3,930 ha) spanning the California Central Valley. We find that agrisolar co-location displaces food production but increases economic security and water sustainability for farmers. Given the unprecedented pace of solar PV expansion globally, these results highlight the need for a deeper understanding of the multifaceted outcomes of agricultural and solar PV co-location decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacob T. Stid & Siddharth Shukla & Anthony D. Kendall & Annick Anctil & David W. Hyndman & Jeremy Rapp & Robert P. Anex, 2025. "Impacts of agrisolar co-location on the food–energy–water nexus and economic security," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 8(6), pages 702-713, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natsus:v:8:y:2025:i:6:d:10.1038_s41893-025-01546-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41893-025-01546-4
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